Elfa leatherworks is located in Hackney, North East London, and provides one day workshops in the making of simple but stylish leathergoods of high quality and great durability. No previous experience is necessary, but a good attention span and a steady hand are a certain advantage.
At present Elfa offers three classes - belts, classic bucket bags, and sheaths for chefs’ knives, with others such as hand-stitched satchels and belt-worn tool pouches to be available in the near future.
With leather in a range of colours, and a variety of buckles, fastenings and decorative detail to choose from, there is plenty of scope for individual styling and personalisation of the finished article.
All of the tools and processes involved will be explained and demonstrated at the start of the class.
Belt and sheath-making classes run for about three and a half hours, and are priced at £90. Bucket-bag classes are between five and six hours long, and are priced at £130. Classes are limited to a maximum of 3 people.
Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided free of charge, and you are welcome to bring your own packed lunch.
Classes are held in a dedicated workshop in a garden setting, and are run by Tim Spencer.
He is a Master Craftsman who, after attending Cordwainers' College in 1982-83, served a shoemaking apprenticeship with John Lobb of St. James Street, Mayfair. He spent the next forty years there making hand-made bespoke shoes and accumulating a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of leatherworking.